Margrave's Bastard Son was The Emperor

Chapter 86: Welcome

The counts brother, and the countesss uncle by marriage, was brought up in the conversation. She dredged up a memory she had almost forgotten and responded.

Yes, just twice. If you go east of the territory, theres a small manor. He practically lived in seclusion there. Blood doesnt lie, they say; his character is as despicable as the counts.

Hmm. Ian visualized the counts brother in his mind and frowned. A proper family member wouldnt have let a slave woman become the countess without a proper wedding ceremony. Considering the lack of a wedding, it was easy to guess how dysfunctional the family might be.

Both the Bratzs and the Merellofs.

He hoped that not all nobles from 100 years ago were like this.

If the count dies, his brother would be the only one to raise questions, wouldnt he?

Thats right. They say he has two sisters, but they married abroad, so Ive never seen them.

If hes living in seclusion without much contact, there doesnt seem to be anything particularly worrying. Even if the count dies, who would suspect the countess?

At his words, the countess stopped and looked intently at Ian. Under the bright sunlight, it was clear that her black irises were flecked with green, a sign of her Dryad heritage.

Theres a saying that those who betray their kin are also forsaken by the gods.

She had cut down a tree, but in the end, wasnt it akin to severing the lifeline of her mother? No matter that it was done to save her father, the reality didnt change. The countess often felt the scars on her palms as a mark of her sin.

Do you think my life would be peaceful after killing a guardian of the forest? Is it just my imagination that the counts brother might rise up, question me, suspect me, expose me, and then sell me back to the slavers?

Countess Merellof knew. Even if she gained freedom, she might not find happiness. Thats why she was stirring up this turmoil, to avoid the worst possible scenario.

Im preparing for everything I can. Thats the only way to survive. The curse of betraying kin will end only with my death.

Well, Im not sure about that.

About what?

Those who betray their kin dont even realize what theyve forsaken. The gods always tend to the wounds of those who chastise themselves. I might not know the details, but countess, one thing is clear. You are as nave as a fairys child.

Ian was brought down by the man who called him uncle. In the imperial palace, power struggles among relatives were rampant, with parents even keeping their children in check. In such a life where even those in love couldnt turn their backs on each other, it said it all.

Nave, me?

If Ive offended you, I apologize. My point is, dont drown in self-pity. Whatever you think is right, is right.

If she believed herself cursed, then it would be so; if not, then it wouldnt. This is why villains often go unperturbed; they dont think what theyre doing is wrong.

This perspective seemed new to Lady Lien, as she paused briefly.

I am cursed.

If you believe so, then it is so.

Ian didnt argue. He had neither seen her cut the fairy tree nor knew the tribulations she had endured.

The countess stood still, feeling strangely as if her life was being invalidated.

My mother always talked about the fairys curse.

Ah, yes. Ive heard about it too.

Dryads and other nature fairies existed between promises and their fulfillment. If one made a promise, it had to be kept, and in return, the fairy would grant a wish.

People who cant rely on temples or mages often do that, dont they? Hearing rumors about fairies, they head to mountains, seas, and the unknown.

But what puzzled him Ian stopped walking and turned around.

Did you make a promise with your mother? If not, it doesnt seem like there should be a problem.

If Im not cursed, then why am I like this?

As I said, you think youre cursed, and thats why.

Lady Lien felt like someone had struck her head with a hammer. She was too confused to think straight. Ian left her and approached the room where Clark was confined.

Open the door.

At Ians command, a soldier nodded curtly. The lock, tightly secured, fell open, creating a gap. It was misaligned due to Clarks constant jostling.

Creak.

Ah, Clark.

Lady Lien.

The two looked at each other but nothing more. It was as if an invisible line had been drawn, and they stayed rooted in place. Once Lady Merellof confirmed Clark was unharmed, she turned to leave.

Leaving just like that?

Of course. What else do I have to see here? Ive received and sold the Grula from Ian-nim. Its enough to know hes alive.

Clark didnt follow her either. Beric swung his head back and forth, watching them curiously. He expected an emotional embrace, but their reaction was too matter-of-fact.

What are they doing? They really need to make more of a fuss.

You, your attitude has always been too disrespectful.

Must be a brain freeze from your end. Cant move my tongue right. So~rry.

What an insolent!

Lady Lien shouted in displeasure, but it had no effect on Beric. He already knew about her past as a slave and her plans to kill her husband. Beric stuck out his tongue in mockery, prompting her to close her eyes as if she couldnt bear to see more.

Beric. Show some respect to the lady.

Respect? After all the trouble Ive been through?

Werent you just sleeping soundly?

Thats one thing, but it was still a mental shock.

While Ian and Beric bickered, Lady Lien quickly retreated to another reception room as if to escape.

Lord Ian, what should we do about the door?

The soldier glanced awkwardly at the open door. Clark seemed to have lost the will to come out after seeing the countesss attitude. He had no intention of meddling in others love affairs.

Close the door and keep watch.

Yes, my lord.

Clark. Count Merellof is in the mansion. Ill return later to decide what to do with you. Its best if you dont cause any trouble.

Creak.

Despite Ians words, Clark gave no response. Ian saw Lady Lien sitting blankly on the reception room sofa, then instructed Hannah to keep watch and serve refreshments.

She looks lost in thought. Is she alright?

She must have a lot on her mind. Bring her some snacks and keep an eye on her. I need to help Sir Romandro.

Romandro seemed exhausted from dealing with Count Merellof alone. When Ian returned, Romandro perked up like a wilted leaf revived. Scattered around his feet were several torn pieces of paper.

Sorry for the interruption. Where did you get up to?

Just in time. Were on the last page. The amended parts are in dark brown ink for easy identification.

Ian read the freshly inked document and apologized to the count for the delay. The count, too, looked weary from revising the contract.

Count Merellof, I apologize, but as we dont have an official seal yet, I will substitute it with my signature.

Thats fine. Ive just finished making amendments regarding that matter. Where did the lady go?

Shes resting in another reception room, having some snacks.

At Ians words, the count silently got up and headed out. As soon as the count was out of sight, Romandro slumped down on the sofa.

Such a fussy old man.

Was it difficult?

Dont even mention it. Its my first time dealing with someone like him.

Thank you for your hard work.

But I defended our price well. I anticipated a significant cut, so I allowed him some leeway with the size of the Grula packages.

Pleased with Romandros satisfactory assessment, Ian smiled. Finally, the moment to sell 100 bags of Grula for 3,500 gold coins was approaching, pending just their signatures.

But why is he taking so long?

After a while, Count Merellof returned, adjusting his disheveled sleeves. Unbeknownst to others, Ian noticed a strand of a womans hair caught in the counts button. It seemed he couldnt resist and had taken liberties in someone elses mansion.

So much for dignity

Hmm. Alright. Is everything in order?

Ian handed the pen to the count to finalize the contract.

Yes, there are no issues. Ill sign now, Count.

Alright. Well take the Grula today itself.

Have you brought the gold coins?

I can give you 1,000 gold coins right now, and the rest will be transferred through Hayman Bank. Ill go to the bank while the Grula is being sorted.

Count Merellof muttered as he checked his watch. 1,000 gold coins. He must have estimated ten coins per bag and brought that amount.

Ian quickly signed the document, and the count, taking out a seal from his pocket, completed the transaction.

Thank you, Count. Todays trade will be a meaningful moment for both our territories.

Hmm. Lets start the Grula sorting process.

Call the workers outside. We need to pack 100 bags.

Bring the bags! Strong ones that stretch well! And bring the boxes from the carriage!

As the contract was finalized, the mansions servants bustled about. Following the counts orders, his servants unloaded crate after crate from the carriage. Three men struggled to carry a chest containing 1,000 gold coins, divided among four carriages.

Gasp!

Upon opening a box, gleaming gold spilled out, and the servants froze in awe. Then, looking perplexed, they turned to Ian.

In all my years, Ive never seen so much yellow gold gathered together, except for corn kernels. Wow

What do we do with all this?

Ian also checked his watch and issued instructions. The count seemed preoccupied with managing his servants as they rummaged through the Grula storage.

Load the chests back onto the carriage. Were heading to the bank immediately. Everyone else, assist Count Merellof and his men in moving the 100 bags of Grula.

Yikes! 100 bags?

Did I hear that correctly?

They will pack as much as they want, so it shouldnt be too much trouble.

The task of selecting the right size and quality of Grula fell to the people of Merellofs territory. The servants of the mansion only needed to supervise and guide them.

If were going to the bank

Is there another bank in Bariel besides Hayman Bank?

At Ians assertive response, the servants began loading the chests back onto the carriage. Soon after, they left the bustling mansion and headed out through the main gate.